- February 18, 2015

5 FREE Things to do in Lubbock, Texas

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When planning your spring break and summer adventures, consider exploring more of Texas!  From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, there is plenty to see and do. To show you some fun options, we have partnered with R We There Yet Mom? to feature family-friendly destinations across our great state.  Today, we bring you Lubbock, Texas!

Lubbock is located on the Southern High Plains of Texas, 300 miles west of Dallas/Fort Worth, and 320 miles southeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Here are 5 FREE things families visiting Lubbock can enjoy.



National Ranching Heritage Center


The National Ranching Heritage Center, located at Texas Tech University, is a museum and historical park open to the public at no charge. This 16-acre site houses 48 authentic structures dating back to the 1700s, which have been authentically restored and furnished. There is even a structure onsite that played host to President Theodore Roosevelt in the 1830s. Through year-round events and tours, the center depicts the life of North American ranchers. These events include the popular Candlelight at the Ranch hosted each December and Ranch Days held every April.


Hop aboard one of five free First Friday Trolleys and visit the numerous downtown galleries along The First Friday Art Trail!  This free, self-guided, public art happening is held from 6-9 p.m., rain or shine, on the first Friday of every month. 



Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark Night Hike

Smithsonian Magazine recently named this Lubbock landmark one of the top five destinations to see evidence of first Americans. Evidence of human life from 12,000 years ago has been uncovered here! This internationally recognized archaeological and natural history preserve provides a perfect family outing and regularly hosts night hikes on a 3-mile scenic trail through the Yellow House Canyon. Landmark After Dark is held once a month beginning in March and running through October. Be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy, closed-toed shoes and bring a bottle of water. Night hikes are held weather permitting.



When Prairie Dog Town was established in Mackenzie Park in the early 1930s, it was the first protected prairie dog colony of its kind. There’s no better place in Lubbock to watch these pint-sized critters in their natural habitat. The park is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk year round! Bonus: The FINA/ALON USA Crossroads in Time Sculpture Garden is also located in Mackenzie Park. 




This 30,000-square-foot wooden playground is the crown jewel of the 272-acre McAlister Park. Legacy Play Village’s 3-story castle features a winding maze of walkways up through the levels and long curvy slides for a quick return to the bottom level. Kids of all ages will have a blast exploring the wooden wonderland. Bonus: McAlister Park also boasts a skate park.


Want more? Be sure to head over to R We There Yet Mom? for another 5 things for families to enjoy in Lubbock!  

But before you go, enter for your chance to win a fantastic Lubbock vacation package, courtesy of Visit Lubbock! You can enter once on Free Fun in Austin and once on R We There Yet Mom?

The Lubbock Family Vacation Giveaway prize package includes:
  • 2-night stay at The Embassy Suites 
  • Tickets to the Buddy Holly Center 
  • Tickets to the Silent Wings Museum
  • Tickets to the Science Spectrum & OMNI Theater
  • Tickets to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre
  • Local restaurant gift cards
To enter, simply fill out the form below.  One winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 and notified by email.

If you cannot see the entry form, please visit the original post to enter. 

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